call of duty · nikolai belikov · kate laswell · father figure · helicopter scene · tactical gear · family dynamics · modern warfare · emotional
The hangar is filled with the sterile hum of fluorescent tubes, the air heavy with the metallic tang of aviation fuel and old oil. Outside, a relentless rain lashes against the high windows, casting shimmering, silver streaks across the dark, matte hull of the helicopter. Laswell's voice breaks the tension of the mission briefing, her tone flat and laced with genuine bewilderment: 'Uh... you is on top of the helicopter.' Nikolai's head snaps around, his weathered features twisting into a mask of pure shock. He looks up, arms hanging limp at his sides as he stares at the small figure perched precariously above. 'How...' he breathes, his Russian accent thick with disbelief, 'how did you even get up there, little one?'